UNIQUE VOICES An Exceptional Literary Agency ABOUT US NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS THE KNIGHT AGENCY

An Exceptional Literary Agency

A visionary perspective on industry trends. Comprehensive client services. Hands-on management. Since 1996 The Knight Agency (TKA) has utilized these principles to guide countless writers from query letter to published book, in the process developing a powerhouse roster of bestselling authors.

Our team has placed well over 2,000 titles across the entire spectrum of New York publishers, as well as at independent houses throughout the country. Though we have represented clients in virtually all genres, our areas of fiction expertise include women’s, romance, young adult, literary, mystery, fantasy, and science fiction, as well as multicultural and inspirational/religious fiction. Our agents have also placed narrative nonfiction, self-help, health, memoirs, and financial/business titles.

The agency focuses on a broad range of client services, addressing all aspects of our clients’ careers. TKA agents bring to bear their extensive experience and knowledge of subsidiary rights management in the areas of foreign, motion picture and television, audio, merchandising, and electronic rights. Additionally, our marketing and publicity department offers wide-ranging support in the areas of book promotion and branding.

In the continually evolving world of publishing, The Knight Agency remains committed to providing cutting-edge services and scouting for fresh, unique voices to bring to the forefront. Yet what truly sets our company apart are the lasting relationships between our authors and our team; ultimately, for us, it’s all about people.

Agents

CLICK PHOTOS FOR WISH LISTS

October 9, 2017

Deidre Knight, Senior Agent and President

I’m very keen to find nonfiction business/investing focused, especially those focused on digital culture and investment opportunities. I’m seeking financial topics for millennials. I'd also like a book exploring the impacts of a cashless society, not just an exploration of crypto. In short, bring me your timely financial and investment topics. As a entrepreneur myself, I’m always eager for topics addressing leadership and business management and ownership.

In fiction, I am hungry for a very voice-driven novel, and am seeking in several areas, from women’s fiction to YA to #ownvoices. Quirky characters like in The Hating Gameor Where’d You Go, Bernadette. Emotionally compelling novels (think Me Before You). A really authentic Southern novel, with strong voice. Think Pat Conroy or Anne River Siddons. A story of a toxic, yet compulsive friendship like Summer Sistersby Judy Blume. And always—a boarding school/prep school novel that’s a true standout, because I’ve never fully recovered from The Westminster Schools!

I really want something with a great beachy setting, in the vein of Elin Hilderbrand (whose novels are set on Nantucket and the Cape) and Judy Blundell’s THE HIGH SEASON (which is set on the North Fork of Long island and is one of my all-time favorite books).

Always keep me in mind for anything with LGBTQ themes and characters, as well.

Elaine Spencer, Vice President of Operations/Agent

• I would love to see more historical women’s fiction exploring unique moments in history with a strong sense of place. Fiona Davis, Chanel Cleeton, and Ariel Lawhon are all wonderful examples of the type of story that will grab my attention.

• On the contemporary side of the women’s fiction spectrum I want stories that will speak to readers personally, characters who will get in your head and cause reason for personal reflection. I love contemporary Suburban Dramadies (think Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty or even the modern classic Little Children by Perrotta). I’m also always interested in sweeping family dramas that bridge over into the commercial space such as Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng or All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin. I loved The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin, Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg, and This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel.

• I love stories with strong southern themes. To me this means an overwhelming sense of another time (even if its in a contemporary novel); stories about a place steeped in ancient traditions and family expectations, unique cultural oddities and loveliness

• Fictionalized Stories featuring hot topics in the news and/or from the daily realities of modern pop-culture.

• In Romance I’m looking for urban-set contemporary romantic comedies. I know I’m one of a million but The Hating Game has been at the top of my favorites list for awhile. I also like stories featuring strong “underdog” modern heroines. In my view this can take a lot of directions, someone from a marginalized background, someone with an uncommon upbringing, a person who has overcome all the odds, etc.

• I’m a big fan of domestic suspense but it would really have to be stand out in a currently crowded space to grab my attention. It must have high stakes, a sympathetic protagonist, and a unique easy to spot hook

• I’m also really growing my list in the non-fiction space. I’m interested in narrative, prescriptive and gift nonfiction in a vast arena spanning from true-crime (especially as it relates to its lasting impact on history, a place or a group of people such as Missoula by Jon Krakauer or Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann), pop-culture, motivational/self-help, how-to guides, female empowerment, humor (especially humorous memoir), diet, platform-driven social media brands, modern parenting, and lifestyle to name a few.

Lucienne Diver, Agent

• My list is incredibly full at the moment. Still, I can’t bring myself to stop reading anything with a unique premise, particularly involving concepts that are relevant to the sociopolitical challenges of today and particularly with diverse voices.

July 13, 2019

Nephele Tempest, Agent

• Voice- and character-driven fiction told with strong pacing and engaging plot twists; stories that inspire and make me think.

• Mainstream/upmarket fiction with magic or or other genre tropes/crossover appeal, such as Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan.

• #ownvoices and diverse projects where the diversity is not necessarily the main thrust of the story.

• Complex female characters dealing with family dynamics, romance, and own identity.

• Late 19th and early 20th century fiction set in U.S./Europe/Latin America; dual-timeline narratives; alternate histories, such as Jo Walton’s Farthing, Mary Robinette Kowal’s The Calculating Stars.

Travis Pennington, Media and Marketing Director, Associate Agent

• I’m also interested in thrillers and suspense with female protagonists.

• I don’t usually like high fantasy, but I’d love to find something in the sci-fi area that’s really high concept and well-written.

• I’ll take a look at any genre if the story takes place in unique locations that the author has first-hand experience with, particularly Asia.

July 13, 2019

Kristy Hunter, Associate Agent

• I’m actively building my list and searching for projects that surprise me with their uniqueness. I often find that it’s the story I least expect that pulls me in and doesn’t let go. It all comes down to the voice and a strong hook!

• I’m always looking for OwnVoices projects and projects featuring a diverse cast of characters across all genres.

In adult fiction, Im looking for:

• High concept women’s fiction such as ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE by Gail Honeyman and THE HUSBAND’S SECRET by Liane Moriarty. As well, as stories that are literary but with commercial appeal such as LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE by Celeste Ng and LILY AND THE OCTOPUS by Steven Rowley. I especially love projects that capture the complicated nature of family.

• Rom-coms set in wonderful urban settings such as THE HATING GAME by Sally Thorne and CRAZY RICH ASIANS by Kevin Kwan

• Mainstream titles with hints of magic like THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger and THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern.

In YA fiction, Im looking for:

• Fantasy projects that allow me to be transported in a way that feels new and fresh. I’d especially love to find a contemporary fantasy with a wonderful atmospheric setting. I also wouldn’t say no to paranormal…but it would truly have to be something I haven’t seen before

• Magical realism

• Historical projects that are serious in nature like CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein, as well as those that are more playful like THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE by Mackenzi Lee. I especially love historical mysteries and projects set in the Victorian and Regency periods.

• Cotemporary YA stories that are fun and unique, and overall present the perfect escape—even if they address larger issues. THINK DUMPLIN’ by Julie Murphy, TO ALL THE BOYS I LOVED BEFORE by Jenny Han and WHEN WE COLLIDED by Emery Lord.

• Thrillers and mysteries—either contemporary or historical. My favorites include LITTLE MONSTERS by Kara Thomas and WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart.

In MG fiction, Im looking for:

• Contemporary projects in the vein of THE FIRST RULE OF PUNK by Celia Pérez, WHERE THE WATERMELONS GROW by Cindy Baldwin, and WISH by Barbara O’Connor (I’m a sucker for a pet!).

• Quirky mysteries that could be part of a larger series and stories involving shifting friend groups

• Light fantasy and magical realism such as THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON by Kelly Barnhill and A SNICKER OF MAGIC by Natalie Lloyd

July 13, 2019

Janna Bonikowski, Associate Agent

- I’m eager to find well-crafted, inclusive stories with tight pacing, authentic characters, distinctive voices, and—above all—imaginative, fresh concepts. I love books that make me laugh out loud or take me down dark and twisted paths; books centered around family, friendship, or strong women; and stories that hook me from the start and don’t let go. If a story is sassy and bold, memorable and unique, or sparks conversation, I want to read it. More than anything, I want to be surprised.

July 13, 2019

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Our Books

In 1996, Deidre Knight founded The Knight Agency. Since that time, The Knight Agency has become one of the most successful agencies in the country with a multitude of tiles appearing on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists every year. Collectively, the Knight Agency team has sold more than 2,500 titles to a broad spectrum of houses.

As an agency, we believe the reason for our success is our ability to foster strong relationships with our clients in a partnership that is committed to seeing their career grow and prosper in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace. The Knight Agency offers a comprehensive range of services, including editorial refinement, branding consultation and strategy, in-house subsidiary rights and publicity support.